[VaSteve]

This was a fun project. One of the few that beating the crap out of something with a hammer actually progresses the work.

This is my left side heater duct for my backdate kit. I thought I banged it out (in) enough to not interfere with the distributor. Well I was wrong and it was too tight so I applied the big guns - Propane!

The metal looks thin, but there is a crease and a weld running through the middle tha really strenghthens it up.

This is before painting.

[Jazzbass]

Where'd you get the duct?

[VaSteve]

Euroeastparts.com. I paid too much because I got the whole kit - all of the sheet metal...I only used the two ducts.

If you can get the one piece LH duct, do so. The 3 piece job is a royal pain in the azz to fit on correctly. It works, but it's a pain.

[turbo23dog]

Steve,

I did a search on "Heater Backdate" but didn't find a definitive answer...

- What is gained by backdating the heater?
- What year are you backdating to?

I've had my 1980 SC for about a month. While the heat is more than adequate, its nowhere has strong as was the case in my previoulsy owned 73 911T. That heat could melt the glue holding the sneakers tops to the rubber bottoms! Is this the point of doing the backdate?

[Doug E]

For anybody else doing this project check with Dan Pechtel (Schattenbaum Region DE CI) who sells parts on the side. I picked up the L&R side ducting (including official Carrera duct) from him for somthing like $30 last year when I was backdating mine.

His place is a treasure of parts ...

[Chopper Dropper]

Dan also does a lot of Targa Top replacement/refurbishment.He can also put a 911 together with duct tape. Ask him sometime but don't say you got it from me.
Dirk

[Jazzbass]

Originally Posted by turbo23dog

- What is gained by backdating the heater?
- What year are you backdating to?

Backdating refers to removing the large heater blower fan in the upper left part of the engine compartment (and the various hoses that go with it) so that aiflow over the heat exchangers is completely from the alternator fan.

The benefits are that it really cleans up the engine bay (easier to work on) and you loose a couple lbs over the back end, which is the best place on the car to loose it.

In Steve's case, however, I think he did it so he could fit another A/C compressor in there. :P

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by jazzbass

In Steve's case, however, I think he did it so he could fit another A/C compressor in there. :P

You can never have enough!!!

Yes, the idea is to clean up some of the hoses. Weight savings is about 10lbs at best. Better weight savings would be losing the compressor, a lighter muffler and the euro bumper pads.

You are backdating to a pre-74 car. The only loss is the fan at idle, but when driving you shouldn't notice a difference. Backdating made my 3rd valve adjustment with no miles in between #1 and #2 (don't ask) much easier.

[RoninLB]

Dan is great to deal with.

If he doesn't have the duct try Parts Heaven in Calif. I also bought a manual throttle contraption for high idle when cold and as a dangerous cruise control.